They sit third in the group - one spot ahead of Wednesday night's opponents - and head into the game with the Bundesliga side on a run of six matches undefeated.

"There can be no denying Celtic have been superb recently and they pushed Manchester City all the way in the Champions League," Pearson told Sky Sports.

"Monchengladbach will obviously be another difficult game for them but the Champions League knockout stages is where the club wants to be and where the fans deserve to be.

Moussa Dembele celebrates scoring Celtic's third goal against Man City

"The atmosphere at Celtic Park on European nights really is something very special. You see it on TV with the atmosphere that the supporters create. They really make it a cauldron for the opposition and it always gives Celtic a better chance when they have the crowd behind them."

Pearson played in Celtic's famous 1-0 UEFA Cup win over Barcelona in 2004 but etched his name into club folklore two years later when he came off the bench to round off a 3-0 win over Benfica, helping Celtic reach the Champions League knockout stages.

"Coming on and scoring is always great but just to play in the Champions League is special," boyhood Celtic fan Pearson added.

Stephen Pearson (L) celebrates his goal against Benfica in 2006

"It's something I look back on with great pride and to score in that game against Benfica was even better. That was a great moment in my career and now I'm wishing Celtic all the best in Europe."